PROVIDENCE, R.I. -
Providence College men's basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley and women's basketball Head Coach Susan Robinson Fruchtl made a surprise visit to Roger Williams Middle School in Providence, R.I. on Tuesday, May 28, to award the winner of the 2013 National Grid Foundation Hoops For The Stars Essay Contest. Also in attendance to present the award was junior guard Tori Rule (Minneapolis, Minn.) from the Friar women's basketball team.

Elementary and middle school students in Providence were challenged to write an essay on how they will incorporate hard work in the classroom and the community to achieve their dreams. Hundreds of essays were submitted and reviewed by members of the Providence school system and the Providence College athletic department.

"It is an honor to present this award to such a deserving individual, and I want to thank the National Grid Foundation for making this program possible", Cooley said.

This year's winner was presented with a certificate and awards from Coach Cooley and Coach Robinson Fruchtl. Also joining in for the surprise award were members of the winner's family.

"The auditorium was filled with students who have been impacted by the Hoops For The Stars program," Robinson Fruchtl said. "It was a great day for all the students of Providence city schools and I appreciate the generosity of the National Grid Foundation to make it possible."

Tuesday's visit marks the fifth-consecutive year that Providence College and the National Grid Foundation have teamed up to sponsor the Hoops For The Stars program. Through this program, 5,500 tickets to Providence College men's and women's basketball games were provided to Providence students who exhibited leadership and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Students also rewarded with t-shirts that they could wear proudly for their efforts.